How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew and mold growth, and other particles. The contaminants are then dispersed throughout the house. If you notice that your allergies are getting worse or if you notice an unpleasant odor, then it’s time to schedule a house cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts promote energy efficiency due to their sturdy and virtually rustproof. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and fit into tight spaces, however they are susceptible to pest damage.

Leaks

Duct leaks allow air conditioning to escape from the system. They can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are most prevalent when duct segments connect, especially at joints. These sections may loosen and separate as time passes due to age, gravity and other factors. The sealing of these connections using mastic or metal tape can help prevent air loss, but it’s best to engage an HVAC professional to complete the repairs and to seal the ducts.

You can look for indications of leaks in ducts by performing a visual inspection in your basement, attic, and crawlspaces where the runs of ductwork are exposed. Find areas of ducts that appear bent, crushed, or twisted. This is a sign of a blockage which needs to be sealed. Check to see if the seams or joints are warm. Also pay attention to any whistling sound when the HVAC system is running. If you hear these sounds, then duct leaks could be present in that area.

Another sign of leaky ducts is the presence of hot or cold spots within the home. Since air leaks deprive the HVAC system of its ability to cool or heat specific rooms, this could explain why these rooms are difficult to maintain an even temperature.

Even when household activities remain the same, ductwork gaps can spread dust throughout a building. Dust mites, mould spores and other allergens may cause asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts could release toxic fumes and dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance, can expose your family to harmful fumes when you store pesticides or paint thinners in your basement. This problem is particularly hazardous for elderly or young children who reside in the house. Installing an indoor air monitor can detect these fumes and warn you of their presence.

High Humidity

In humid, hot climates such as Florida air conditioning ducts are more likely sweat than they ought to. This is because the ducts that sweat allow excessive humidity into homes. This can cause numerous problems, including mold growth and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are several steps homeowners can take to reduce humidity and keep their ductwork dry.

The first thing to do is reduce the amount of water used in your home as much as is possible. Reduce the amount of water you use to cook, bathe and aquariums. Additionally homeowners should make use of a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to make the house drier.

It is also essential to regularly check the ductwork for indications of mold or other problems. Professionals should clean and seal ducts when they notice any problems.

Leakage is a common issue when it comes to ductwork. This is typically because of joints that are not properly installed or seals, which could result in cracks and gaps. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring all joints and connections are correctly installed and made of high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts come in various materials, and each type has different characteristics that affect the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are least expensive, but they are the most brittle and are more susceptible to being damaged by pests and the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are slightly more expensive, but they last longer and resist pests.

Airflow can be restricted by furniture, toys and other objects. Blocked ducts will affect the airflow and efficiency of your system’s energy usage.

A blocked duct can also result in uneven cooling and heating in older buildings that have poorly constructed ductwork.

A homeowner who suspects they have a problem with humidity or leakage should contact a HVAC service. The expert will assess the ductwork and provide recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is simple to access, as this can affect how quickly the technician can get to work and also the total cost of the job.

Mold

Moisture and warm temperatures can combine to cause mold to air conditioning ducts. The moisture comes from condensation on the inside of the air ducts, which creates a humid environment where the spores of mold thrive. The spores then get transported throughout the home by your HVAC system, and trigger allergy symptoms in household members.

Visual signs of mold around air vents are a good indicator that you need to hire an HVAC professional for an AC cleaning. Dust particles that are black could be an indication that mold is thriving. If the area appears wet or slimy then there is definitely an issue. If there is a musty odor it is also an indication of a mold problem.

Mold can also be detected by ripped or torn air insulation in ducts, tears on the vent covers, rodent droppings, and cockroaches shells. If the issue is severe you could notice decaying wood and sagging metal.

The most frequent type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys which can cause toxic mold. It can develop on drywall and wood surfaces and also in the spaces between the walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can cause irritation, allergies to the throat, nose, and eyes, as well as respiratory issues.

The symptoms of mold that can be found in air ducts can include wheezing, coughing and a shortness of breath. Children and the elderly can experience more severe symptoms. The air ducts in the air can also cause headaches, fatigue and nausea.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold from their air ducts. However, it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. The safety issues involved are the reason. Mold spores are spread through the air quickly and are difficult to get rid of after they have begun to grow. There is no guarantee that the homeowner will be able remove all the mold and stop it from resurfacing. A professional can safely remove mold from air ducts and guarantee that it doesn’t return.

The best method to avoid mold in air ducts is to ensure that the air filters are cleaned frequently and that the ducts are cleaned once every couple of years. Taking these steps will prevent condensation and humidity, which can encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities and leave you with itchy, dry eyes, and a general feeling of discomfort. Keeping your home allergen-free is a crucial aspect of combatting allergies, and your air conditioning ducts could be a breeding place for the things that trigger your symptoms.

Dust mites, pollen, mold spores and pet dander are the most common allergy triggers. These particles can be tracked the Fridley home on footwear or clothing and then sprayed throughout the home by your HVAC system. These particles can be spread throughout the home by ductwork leaks.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaning service can remove the particles, allowing you breathe more easily and ward off your allergies.

A duct that is dirty may also harbor bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and trigger allergies, especially those who already suffer from allergies. The bacteria can spread when the air moves through your ducts and into the vents in your home.

When ducts are filthy the bacteria may build up within them, and later be spread throughout your home once the air conditioner is on. This can lead to respiratory problems and in certain cases more serious illnesses.

Many people, especially in the spring and early summer months are able to bring allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites into their homes through their clothes and shoes. This is the most unpleasant time of year to deal with these kinds of things and they’re more likely to settle in places where they won’t be disturbed until the following spring or summer. The air ducts are an excellent example. If they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, allergens may remain in the vents until your cooling and heating system is turned on.

Clean air ducts can cause many issues for homeowners, including more expensive energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians apply a sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering through ductwork that is leaky.